About AEF

Founded in 1993, American Endowment Foundation fills a unique role as America’s largest independent donor advised fund program – a national, public charity.

Independence and Integrity

Since its founding in 1993, AEFs' donors and their advisors have appreciated its independence from any sponsoring financial services firm or charity. The only people or organizations that benefit from donor advised funds at AEF are the donors, in partnership with their advisors, and the charities that donors support through their donor advised fund.

AEF accrues no benefit from brokerage services or product sales, and never charges commissions or finder fees.

AEF does not sell proprietary financial products or services.

AEF does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice.

Our independence gives us the ability to offer a conflict-free platform for your charitable giving – free of agendas (programmatic, geographic, religious, investment, or succession). Our independence also allows us to singularly focus on what we do best – deliver highly personalized service and administration.

As stewards of these meaningful assets, we at AEF adhere to these central principles:

We team with our clients and their professional investment advisors to foster the most satisfactory experience

We seek to help our donors create an enduring legacy

We commit to maintain uncompromising independence

A Uniquely Flexible Program

AEF provides highly personalized service to donors, offering open investment architecture. At your recommendation, AEF can work with your trusted advisors and nearly all of investment platforms and custodians.

Unlike charities with a specific focus or a regional focus, AEF offers the ability for donors to give to all U.S. charities. A partnership with CAF America enables us to support select overseas organizations.Unlike commercial donor advised fund programs, offered by banks, brokerages and commercial mutual funds, AEF does not sell investment and financial products. Unlike community foundations, AEF has a national scope, and can support your local community foundation.True independence offers donors and their families greater flexibility for their charitable giving.

Our innovative, tax-smart solutions will help you simplify your giving, multiply your impact, and gain the flexibility that only true independence can offer. In the last two years, the number of DAFs that we administer has risen to over 2500, a growth of nearly 70%.

Our experienced staff is available to assist you and/or your professional financial advisors in tailoring a charitable-giving plan to fit your goals and financial situation. Call us at 1-888-440-4233 or use our contact form.

Our 2013 990 and audited financial statements are available for review: